NWSB Exclusive: Twitterview with Chicago Wolves Goalie Eddie Lack

@EddieLack

I recently had an opportunity to “twitterview” Vancouver Canucks #1 Goalie Prospect Eddie Lack (@EddieLack) and what I came away with is that he is a very well spoken young man; ready for big things.

Here is a short background on Eddie to whet your appetite:

Eddie Lack was born January 5th , 1988 in Nortällje, Sweden. He was expected to be drafted at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft but was looked over. He was signed as a free agent the following season by the Vancouver Canucks and signed a 2 year entry level contract in April 2010.

Lack recently got onto Twitter!

Eddie has spent two seasons in the AHL now; first with the Manitoba Moose and now with the Chicago Wolves.

Prior, he played for Leksands IF in the SWE-2 league and for Brynas IF of the SEL (Elitserien).

As of February 10th, 2012, Eddie Lack has a 2011-12 record of 12-11-5 in a starting role ahead of Matt Climie. He has played in 27 of 47 games this season leading the Wolves to 5th spot in the Western Conference.

Eddie very recently set up a twitter account which allowed for this interview to happen.

So without further ado, I present to you, my loyal readers, my interview (twitterview) with Mr. Lack.

JH: Let’s get down to business shall we?

EL: OK Let’s do this.

JH: So Eddie, what inspired you to be a goalie and did you ever play any other positions growing up?

EL: I started off not being goalie but I guess I was such a bad skater, so they put me in goal and I never went back.

JH: Did you have a player or goalie you looked up to growing up?

EL: I’ve always loved Peter Forsberg. I remember growing up and the first thing I did in the morning was to put the TV on to see if Peter scored.

JH: Good choice.

Now moving to the AHL; What is it like having such a seasoned coach in Craig MacTavish? How has he supported you?

"I’ve always loved Peter Forsberg."

EL: He’s been really good to me. Even when I’ve been through some tougher times this year I feel like he’s always been supporting me and talking to me. That’s what I’m looking for in a coach.

He’s a great person too!

JH: Good to hear from a fan’s point of view. How demoralizing, or motivating was it, to go undrafted in 2009?

EL: I wasn’t expecting anything; I just heard some rumors from one team so I was just hoping, but didn’t expect anything. Just that a club was thinking about me got me working even harder, so that gave me a boost for sure.

JH: Any way you can reveal what team you heard was rumoured to be looking at you?

EL: Haha no I keep that to myself 😉

JH: Haha; Understood. So that year, you ended up playing 14 games for Brynas in the Elitserien, the highest league in Sweden. Do you think having played at “the top” will prepare you at all for the NHL?

EL: I think it will but the leagues are so different. But I learned a lot being #2 behind Jacob Markström and that made me a better goalie.

JH: You’re of course speaking about Jacob Markström, now of the Florida Panthers. Have you two kept in touch?

EL: Yes we are very good friends 🙂

JH: Do you feel you are ready for the step up to the NHL? Which part of the step up at some point are you most excited about?

EL: I hope I’m ready; I haven’t tried it yet but I think I’m almost ready to try it. I let the people that decide that worry about it. I’m just trying to work hard every day to get closer to that step.

I know that when I’m ready I’m going to play there so just work on improving my game. Of course I’m most excited about playing against the best players. Just look at the players up there and if I’ll someday play against and with those guys, I’ll be extremely happy.

JH: What are the top 3 things you love the most about the Canucks organization?

EL: No special order. Always a cup contender, Lots of Swedish guys, Great goalie coach.

"Of course I'm most excited about playing against the best players."

JH: Being a Cup contender is definitely a good thing. 😛 Now let’s make the mood a little lighter. What type of shot are you most afraid of?

EL: Of course I would feel bad for the one going down. You never wish that for a guy and especially someone like Cory or Lu. But I would be beyond excited just to be up there and being part of that group.

JH: Okay, we’re in the home stretch here. What are your thoughts on headshots and concussions?

EL: It’s unfortunate that so many guys are getting injured. I don’t really have a great solution to the problem but I hope that the guys that have the power to do something about think fast.

JH: Well put! Should the Canucks tender you a qualifying offer after this season when you become an RFA, how quick do you think you’d be to accept?

EL: I haven’t really thought about that yet. I’m just trying to end this season on a good note and we will see what happens after that!